Stars in the archives

The popular French actor, comedian and singer Fernandel (nom de guerre for Fernand Joseph Désiré Contandin) visited Brussels in 1949 and attended among others the ball of the Ministry of Justice. For the occasion he dedicated this photo to Minister Albert Lilar: "Pour maitre Lielaert (sic) le plus sympathique des ministres".
(Photo by Studio Carl Alex)

Orson Welles was awarded the "Uilenspiegel" by readers of the Flemish newspaper "Het Laatste Nieuws" for his role as Harry Lime in Carol Reed's "The Third Man" (1949). The imposing filmmaker came to Brussels to receive the award from the newspaper's co-director Albert Maertens.
(Photo by Het Laatste Nieuws, 3 October 1950)

The Italian star is seen here during her visit of the Antwerp harbour, as part of the gala-screening of her latest film "Venere imperiale", 31 May 1963. She is accompanied by the liberal politician Frans Grootjans (2nd from left) and a group of delighted men who visibly enjoyed the sights more than the star.

Charlton Heston, the star from Hollywood blockbusters like "Ben-Hur" and "El Cid" was awarded the "Uilenspiegel" by readers of the newspapers "Het Laatste Nieuws" and "De Nieuwe Gazet" as best and most popular actor in 1962. The liberal politician Frans Grootjans, here in his capacity as chief-editor of "De Nieuwe Gazet", presents Heston with the statue at a ceremony in Antwerp, 22 June 1963.
(Photo by "De Nieuwe Gazet")

French actors Yves Montand and Anouk Aimée in Antwerp for the filming of André Delvaux's "Un soir, un train", in the company of the liberal politician Jacques Van Offelen (1967).
(Photo by Van Parys, Brussels)

Adolphe Van Glabbeke also hosted Gérard Oury once and the French director returned the favour by dedicating this portrait to the mayor and his wife. Oury started out as a stage and movie actor, but really made a name for himself as director of highly successful comedies in the 1960s like "Le Corniaud" and "La Grande Vadrouille", starring Louis de Funès and Bourvil.

The Belgian-American jazz musician and composer Toots Thielemans is interviewed by music critic and composer Willem Pelemans, on 3 May 1955. Thielemans scored his international breakthrough around this time and also recorded his first album as band leader. In 1957 he would become a US citizen. Thielemans died in 2016 at the age of 94.

Willem Pelemans welcomes the Austrian maestro Herbert von Karajan upon his arrival in Brussels, where he was scheduled to conduct a series of concerts (25 October 1977). For the occasion Pelemans represented the Union of Belgian composers.

French choreographer Maurice Béjart became associated with dance in Belgium to such extent that many actually thought he was Belgian. Béjart founded in 1960 the Ballet of the XXth Century, based in La Monnaie Theatre in Brussels, which placed the Belgian capital on the map as an internationally renowned centre of contemporary dance for more than 25 years. Béjart in conversation with Jacques Van Offelen.
(Photo by Van Parys, Brussels)

Rita Gorr, pictured as Amneris in Verdi's "Aida", is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest mezzos of the 20th century. Flemish-born Marguerite Geirnaert sang on the world's most prestigious opera stages for some 50 years.
(Photo by J.M. Mertens, 1950s)